1976 Maldives First Day Cover, featuring three stamps and an illustration of John Singleton Copley, commemorating the U.S. Bicentennial

Key Points

• This product is a 1976 Maldives First Day Cover, featuring three stamps and an illustration of John Singleton Copley, commemorating the U.S. Bicentennial.
• It includes three stamps (2L, 4L, 3R) depicting portraits of American Revolutionary figures by Copley, postmarked on February 15, 1976, in the Republic of Maldives.
• The cover, titled "American Revolution Bicentennial 1776-1976," honors the 200th anniversary of American independence through the artwork of the Boston artist John Singleton Copley.
• As a collectible, it is likely valued between $5 and $20, depending on condition and market demand.

Product Overview

The 1976 Maldives First Day Cover is a philatelic item celebrating the U.S. Bicentennial, marking 200 years of American independence. Featuring a black-and-white illustration of John Singleton Copley and three stamps showcasing his portraits of American Revolutionary figures, this cover highlights the intersection of art and history. Issued by the Republic of Maldives, it’s a perfect addition for collectors of U.S. history, art history, international philately, and Bicentennial memorabilia, offering a unique perspective on global recognition of America’s milestone.

Historical Context

The U.S. Bicentennial in 1976 was a global celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with many countries issuing stamps and covers to honor the occasion. The Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean that gained independence from Britain in 1965, participated in this international tribute, reflecting the diplomatic ties and goodwill between nations during the Cold War era. The 1976 issuance of this first day cover, postmarked in the Maldives, aligns with the country’s efforts to engage in global cultural exchanges while celebrating shared values of independence. John Singleton Copley (1738–1815), a Boston-born artist, is renowned for his portraits of American Revolutionary figures, making him a fitting subject for this Bicentennial tribute.

Collectible Value

First day covers from the U.S. Bicentennial are popular among collectors for their historical significance and the variety of international perspectives they offer. This Maldives cover, with its clear postmark, thematic illustration, and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $20, based on typical market trends for similar items. Its focus on the Bicentennial, combined with its issuance by a less common postal authority like the Maldives and its connection to a notable artist, enhances its appeal to collectors of U.S. history, art history, and international philately.

Unexpected Detail: Copley’s Dual Legacy

An interesting aspect of this cover is its focus on John Singleton Copley, whose career reflects a dual legacy in American and British art. Born in Boston in 1738, Copley became the leading portraitist in colonial America, painting prominent figures like John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere. However, as a Loyalist, he moved to London in 1774 due to escalating tensions before the Revolution, where he continued his career, painting historical scenes and British aristocracy. This cover, by featuring Copley’s American portraits, celebrates his contribution to Revolutionary-era art while subtly acknowledging the complex loyalties of the time, as Copley’s later life was spent in Britain.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the 1976 Maldives U.S. Bicentennial First Day Cover

This section provides a comprehensive examination of the 1976 Maldives First Day Cover, exploring its features, historical context, and collectible value. The cover, analyzed through the provided image, is a philatelic item that celebrates the U.S. Bicentennial through the artwork of John Singleton Copley, making it a valuable piece for collectors of U.S. history, art, and international stamps.

Product Description and Features

The 1976 Maldives First Day Cover is a collectible envelope designed to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial, titled "American Revolution Bicentennial 1776-1976." The cover features a black-and-white illustration of John Singleton Copley, a prominent Boston artist of the Revolutionary era, along with the text "John Singleton Copley 1738-1815 Boston Artist" and "Republic of Maldives – First Day of Issue."

Affixed to the cover are three stamps, each depicting a portrait by Copley of an American Revolutionary figure:

• 2L Stamp: Features Copley’s portrait of John Hancock, a key figure in the Revolution and the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, labeled "John Hancock by John S. Copley."
• 4L Stamp: Shows Copley’s portrait of Paul Revere, a silversmith and patriot known for his midnight ride, labeled "Paul Revere by John S. Copley."
• 3R Stamp: Depicts Copley’s portrait of Samuel Adams, a leader of the American Revolution and signer of the Declaration, labeled "Samuel Adams by John S. Copley."

Each stamp includes the text "American Revolution Bicentennial 1776-1976" and "Republic of Maldives," with denominations in Maldivian currency (L for Laari, R for Rufiyaa). The stamps are postmarked with a circular cancellation reading "Republic of Maldives – 15 Feb 1976 – Maldives," confirming their first day of issue status. The cover’s condition appears excellent, with no visible tears, stains, or creases, preserving its visual and collectible value.

Historical Significance and Context

The U.S. Bicentennial in 1976 was a global celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776. Many countries issued stamps and first day covers to honor the occasion, reflecting the international impact of America’s independence and the shared values of freedom and self-determination. The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean that gained independence from Britain in 1965, participated in this tribute, issuing stamps that highlight the artwork of John Singleton Copley, a key figure in Revolutionary-era art.

John Singleton Copley (1738–1815) was a Boston-born artist renowned for his portraits of American colonial and Revolutionary figures. His works, including portraits of John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams, captured the likenesses and personalities of key players in the American Revolution, making him a fitting subject for a Bicentennial tribute. The 2L stamp features John Hancock, a wealthy merchant and president of the Continental Congress, known for his large signature on the Declaration of Independence. The 4L stamp depicts Paul Revere, a silversmith and messenger whose midnight ride in 1775 warned of British troop movements. The 3R stamp shows Samuel Adams, a political leader and organizer of the Boston Tea Party, who played a crucial role in rallying support for independence.

The issuance of this first day cover on February 15, 1976, in the Maldives reflects the country’s participation in the global celebration, as well as its diplomatic goodwill toward the U.S. during a period of Cold War dynamics, when alliances and international relations were carefully cultivated. The Maldives, having recently gained independence, was establishing its presence on the global stage, and this cover symbolizes that engagement.

Collectible Value and Market Analysis

First day covers from the U.S. Bicentennial are popular among collectors for their historical significance and the variety of international perspectives they offer. The 1976 Maldives cover, with its clear postmark, thematic illustration, and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $20, based on market trends for similar items. For example, Bicentennial first day covers from smaller nations like the Maldives often sell on platforms like eBay or through stamp dealers in this price range, with variations depending on condition, rarity, and the popularity of the theme. The cover’s focus on the Bicentennial, its issuance by a less common postal authority, and its connection to a notable artist like Copley enhance its appeal to collectors of U.S. history, art history, and international philately.

Detailed Stamp Analysis

The three stamps on the cover are part of a 1976 Maldives series issued for the U.S. Bicentennial, featuring portraits by John Singleton Copley:

• 2L Stamp: Depicts Copley’s portrait of John Hancock, showing him in formal attire with a red curtain in the background, reflecting his status as a wealthy merchant and leader.
• 4L Stamp: Features Copley’s portrait of Paul Revere, depicted holding a silver teapot, symbolizing his trade as a silversmith, with a thoughtful expression.
• 3R Stamp: Shows Copley’s portrait of Samuel Adams, dressed in red, pointing to a document, symbolizing his role as a political thinker and revolutionary leader.

Each stamp includes the text "American Revolution Bicentennial 1776-1976" and "Republic of Maldives," with denominations in Maldivian currency (2 Laari, 4 Laari, 3 Rufiyaa). The stamps’ designs use a consistent color palette of red, blue, and white, reflecting the patriotic theme of the Bicentennial. The denominations reflect various postal rates in the Maldives in 1976, with the higher 3R value likely intended for international postage. The stamps’ placement on the cover, along with the clear Maldives postmark, enhances the item’s philatelic appeal.

Comparative Analysis with Other Collectibles

This cover is similar to the 1976 Mauritania and Mali U.S. Bicentennial First Day Covers you previously provided, which also honored the Bicentennial but focused on Revolutionary War soldiers and symbolic imagery, respectively (both valued at $5–$15). This Maldives cover, with its focus on Copley’s artwork, offers a unique angle by highlighting the intersection of art and history, appealing to collectors interested in both fields. Compared to other Bicentennial memorabilia, such as U.S.-issued covers or commemorative coins, this Maldives cover provides a unique international perspective. A U.S. Bicentennial coin might fetch $10–$50, while this cover offers a more affordable way to own a piece of the celebration. Its issuance by the Maldives also makes it a rarer find compared to more common U.S.-produced Bicentennial items.

Unexpected Historical Detail: Copley’s Dual Legacy

An intriguing aspect of this cover is its focus on John Singleton Copley, whose career reflects a dual legacy in American and British art. Born in Boston in 1738, Copley became the leading portraitist in colonial America, painting prominent figures like John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere, as depicted on these stamps. However, as a Loyalist, he moved to London in 1774 due to escalating tensions before the Revolution, where he continued his career, painting historical scenes and British aristocracy, including works like The Death of the Earl of Chatham. This cover, by featuring Copley’s American portraits, celebrates his contribution to Revolutionary-era art while subtly acknowledging the complex loyalties of the time, as Copley’s later life was spent in Britain, where he died in 1815.

Table: Summary of Key Features

Conclusion

The 1976 Maldives U.S. Bicentennial First Day Cover is a historically significant collectible that celebrates the 200th anniversary of American independence through the artwork of John Singleton Copley. Its thematic illustration, clear postmark, and connection to the global celebration of the Bicentennial make it a standout piece for collectors of U.S. history, art history, and international philately. Whether you’re interested in the American Revolution, the U.S. Bicentennial, or the intersection of art and history, this cover offers a unique blend of cultural and historical value, reflecting the Maldives’ tribute to the "American Revolution Bicentennial 1776-1976" and Copley’s enduring legacy as a Boston artist.